Our Team

Pastor Claude Fingleton

Pastor Claude has been the Senior Pastor of the Cathedral of Praise since he arrived in Rockhampton in 1975. In that time we have seen amazing growth. After meeting in a small church building, then renting a larger facility, the present church auditorium was built and opened in 1982.

Along with church growth, the number of pastoral staff has also increased and our Senior Pastor has established a very effective ministry team. Encouraging his team to develop their unique gifts and talents to minister in different areas.

Pastor Fingleton has a clear anointing upon his life to lead the congregation into worship, to teach and to pastor the people. He has the ability to open the Word of God in such a way as to be clear, challenging, relevant and prophetic. He has ministered to pastors, church leaders and congregations in Australia and several other countries including Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, South America, The United State of America, Pakistan, Singapore, Myanmar, Ukraine and Dubai.

It was also under Pastor Fingleton’s direction that Height’s College was founded in 1989. He is Chairman of the Board of Heights College and has served in this role since the College's inception.

Pastor Elva Fingleton

Pastor Elva, wife of Claude Fingleton, is the mother of two daughters, and the grandmother of six. Pastor Elva plays a very supportive role in the life of the church overseeing the Women’s Ministry as well as being Director for our annual Christmas musical. She has also been a godly counselor to women for many years.

Pastor Elva has not only ministered in the Cathedral of Praise but in various other meetings and churches in Australia and overseas. She is able to preach the Word of God simply and powerfully, and apply it in a very practical way, particularly as it pertains to marriage, family and everyday living.

Pastor Ivan Westbrook

Pastor Ivan began full time ministry in 1981 and has served God in the same local church since that time. He is married to Debbie and they have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Growing up in a missionary/pastor’s home, his life was marked for God from the beginning. Making a personal commitment to Christ at ten years of age, this was the beginning of a life serving God.

Pastor Ivan has the responsibility for the Cathedral of Praise’s Connect Groups, which encourage individual growth, relationship with others and care for one another. His burning passion is to see the lost won for Christ, and to light a fresh fire in the hearts of God’s people and see them live life to the full in victory.

Pastor Greg Frost

Pastor Greg joined the ministry team in January 2000 as Youth Pastor, having previously been an active and very effective youth leader.

Pastor Greg and his wife Melissa have four beautiful children. He is a man who has a passion for young people and wants to see them grow to reach their full potential. He is also a man who loves the Word and is a confident and inspiring preacher.

Pastor Chris Russell

Pastor Chris joined the Pastoral Team in February 2006, to work alongside Pastor Elva in ministering to the women of our house.

She is married to Greg Russell and has four children. Pastor Chris is vibrant, warm, caring and is passionate about God's house. She serves with energy and passion, coming alongside women to encourage them and help them grow into an intimate relationship with their God.